Sports stats



NAL Jacksonville Sharks

Week Nine Game Preview: Sharks vs. Lions

May 30, 2018 - National Arena League (NAL)
Jacksonville Sharks News Release


JACKSONVILLE- The Jacksonville Sharks (5-3) face the Columbus Lions (4-1) in Jacksonville, Florida on Saturday, June 2, at 7:00 pm (E.T.). The Sharks who suffered a three-game losing streak now find themselves in late May on a four-game win streak. The last time the Sharks and Lions met, the Lions were hanging on by a thread until pulling away and keeping the ball the majority of the fourth quarter. That game ended in a 51-41 victory for the Lions. This time, the game is being played in Jacksonville and what could be the best home game of the season for the Sharks. The last time the Lions were in Jacksonville was during the 2017 NAL Championship game, where the Sharks defeated the Lions to win the inaugural season championship 27-21.

The Lions have not seen what Sharks Quarterback Adrian McPherson can do, as they went up against Ryan Walker last time the Sharks and Lions faced each other. Last meeting between these two teams, Walker threw for 231 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions. Wide Receiver Chris Gilchrist was the star of the show, having 11 catches for 96 yards and one touchdown. Defensive Linemen Damien Jacobs and Jermiah Price each got one sack on Lions Quarterback Mason Espinosa. The Sharks have had at least one interception in every game except when facing the Columbus Lions. Will the Sharks defense step up and force Espinosa to throw his first interception against the Sharks this season or will the Lions be the team that keeps Jacksonville away from the ball in the air?

Against the Massachusetts Pirates last week, the Sharks looked to be a powerful offense as Quarterback Adrian McPherson had his best game yet, throwing for 246 yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions. A big name who returned to the Sharks last week was Wide Receiver Antonio Vaughan, who came up with seven receptions for 79 yards and four touchdowns, helping McPherson have his best game as a Shark. Wide Receiver Tom Gilson didn't see the ball or score as much as Vaughan did, but saw more yards. Five receptions for 90 yards and two touchdowns slowed down the Pirates defense.

The Sharks face the Lions a total of four times this season, this being the second time. This weekend's game will be at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena on Saturday at 7:00 pm (ET). The game will be streamed on Youtube Live, a link to the stream will be posted on www.facebook.com/jaxsharks



National Arena League Stories from May 30, 2018


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Jacksonville Sharks Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central